Communities in Barrow and Walney are invited to join Perceptions of Place, a series of creative 'walkshops' exploring how we connect with our local landscapes and how art can help shape the future of Morecambe Bay.
The September 'Walkshops' are workshops held outdoors, combining walking with focused discussions and creative activities providing a way to encourage creative thinking, fresh insights, and problem-solving while being physically active and immersed in the environment.
The project is funded by Lancaster University's Arts and Humanities Research Council Impact Acceleration Account.
The walks will be led by artist Ellie Barrett in partnership with artist-led Barrow charity Art Gene, Lancaster University, and Morecambe Bay Partnership.
Residents and artists will come together to reflect on the Bay's everyday realities, its challenges, delights and changing environment in the context of climate change.
Each 'Walkshop' will invite participants to explore the landscape using creative, sensory methods such as drawing, photography, sound, and writing.
After the walks, participants will gather for conversations to share their perspectives, which will contribute to a digital sketchbook capturing how people value and experience place.
A final group session at Art Gene will bring everyone together to share insights and ideas.
Lecturers at Lancaster University's School of Arts Dr Louise Mullagh and Dr Lisa Thomas are working with Dr Anthony Hesketh, from the University's Department of Organisation, Work and Technology on this project.
Dr Mullagh said: "The Lancaster University team, from Theatre, Design and Organisation, Work and Technology, are managing this project and bringing expertise in creative methods, design-led research and concepts of value to investigate how communities perceive and value place in the context of climate change. They are also developing a digital sketchbook that translates creative insights into resources for policy and climate adaptation strategies."
The 'Walkshop' Dates are:
- Tuesday 2 September - Walney Channel
- Sunday 7 September - Earnse Bay, Walney Island
- Tuesday 9 September - Cavendish Dock, Barrow
The Gallery meet-up will be on:
- Monday 15 September - Art Gene, final sharing session
All sessions run from 1pm to 3pm and are free, with refreshments provided. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult and the walks are dog friendly. Participants can join one, two, or all three sessions.
But places are limited. To apply for your place, please email [email protected] by Friday, 29 August 2025, with up to 50 words about why you would like to take part and how you would benefit.
Art Gene is an artist-led charity engaging communities in the re-visioning of the social, natural and built environment of Barrow-in-Furness
Ellie Barrett is an artist and researcher with an interest in the political and social meanings embodied by material. She recently completed her PhD in material meaning and contemporary sculpture and is a part-time lecturer at Lancaster University.
